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Thursday, 1 December 2011

Washing your car yourself can be a relaxing and satisfying respite, from the concerns of life. You only need car shampoo, a bucket, sponge, tire wax, and some rags. Then go have some fun and here's how;

Park the car out of direct sunlight. This prevents premature drying which can leave splotches on the paint.

Set everything you will need near the car.

Fill a bucket with water and add car shampoo in the quantity directed on its bottle.

Fill another bucket with plain water

Hose off the car to loosen the dirt. Don't use a strong jet, as this can rub grit over the paint and scratch it.

Soak a large sponge in the soapy water, and begin applying it to the car. Do not use a brush on the car body because this will leave little scratches

Wash the car section by section, starting at the top, Circle around the car several times, washing lower areas with each round.

As you progress, keep the entire car wet, as this will prevent droplets from drying on the paint and leaving water-spots. Dry the car with towels before it air-dries.

Scrub the lower body and the wheels last, as these are the dirtiest, grittiest parts. it's a good idea to use a separate cloth on the bottom six inches of the car's body, as this can get especially gritty.

Use a wheel-brush for cleaning the openings of the wheels. If the wheels are glossy, use a sponge instead to prevent from scratches. Clean the tire side-walls as well

Rinse the bottom of the car vigorously, from various angles, with a spray nozzle.

Dry the vehicle with fresh towels.

Remember to vacuum dust or sand at the leg room carpet and seat.

When the tire side-wall dry, start applying tire wax to keep it shine.

Then you can stand 2-3metres away from your car and see what have you done.

Tuesday, 29 November 2011

Proton Holdings Berhad (Proton) announced that they will release new model early next year. It is all new car and not related with Proton Persona. Actually this is the concept car, TUAH that was shown to the public during the KL International Motor Show 2010, but slightly different on the headlamp, bumper, fog lamp side mirror and front grill. At this moment this new car only known as P3-21A code, but Persona R or Espire expected the name given to this car. One thing that make we proud of this car, this model will be equipped with Campro 1.6cc turbo engine in Proton family and it was design by Malaysian itself. This is what Proton Managing Director, Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said.

This new sedan will be the the first new generation of global models constructed in accordance with the new law and the global regulations.especially on the emissions standards and safety bring to the first, as this sedan will be fitted with 6 air-bags.

Syed Zainal said Proton's latest model will be also produced in China by Hawtai Motor Group Ltd (Hawtai), and have sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for further discussion on cooperation between them until December. He said in addition to producing the Exora in China with new design, Hawtai will develop the P3-21A as the left-hand drive vehicles using the brand Hawtai to markets in China and the car will use the same version of the Proton brand for the export market

About the interior and other specification, we don't have any information so far. Just wait for the launching next year. Hope that this new car still in affordable price for all Malaysians.

Congratulations to Proton.

UPDATE!!!!

Latest picture of P3-21A leaked!!!

Credit to AQAMOHA for pictures

The name of this new car still in mystery..

The following is a summary ofthe main specification of newProton,P3-21Abased on thedisclosure by Tun Dr.Mahathirwhengiven the honorto test drivethisvehicle.

Monday, 21 November 2011

Most of the old-school car factory installed with analog voltmeter. But most of the modern car nowadays does not equipped with this vital tool. So we need to install it by sending our car to the experts or drive directly to the car accessories because most of the car accessories sell this device.

What is the important of the volt meter? Some automotive enthusiasts just display volt meter as accessories or gadget for a different views of their dashboard. But actually this extra gadget is very important to tell driver about the electrical system circulating in your car is in good condition or otherwise.

Generally volt meter will refer to the voltage output from the alternator and battery. Here are the explanation.

1. Reading taken for alternator voltage output

Alternator (part that supply electricity to electronic devices to the whole car) voltage output reading only can be read by volt meter while engine running. Usually while engine running, the reading of the healthy alternator is 14.0- 14.7volt. (Reading maybe different if we switch on air-conditioner, wiper and headlamp; reading 13.5-13.8volt should be normal)

If the reading of the voltmeter while engine running is below 13.0v, mean that you must send your car to the expert as soon as possible. Because why, if your alternator reading is below 13volt, and it decrease to 12, 11 and 10volt, mean that the alternator cannot produce electricity for your car, and when your car need more voltage, but the alternator fail to generate it, of course your car will be loosing power . When voltage drop again to 10, 9 and 8volt, all the accessories will be malfunction and then the engine will be stop working and you will be stranded.

Why this happen? If alternator malfunctions, the voltage output will be drop slowly until it reaches the battery voltage. At this time, engine and other electronic accessories will use the battery power to make it running as usual until the battery power drained because the alternators fail to recharge the battery.

The highlight here is; when the reading of the volt meter drop below 13.0volt, and it continuously drop again, better you find workshop or save area to park as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will need to pay a lot of money to tow your car to workshop instead of paying for spare part and labor cost only.

2. Reading taken for battery voltage output.

Battery voltage output only can be read by the voltmeter while engine off. Usually, just after you key off the engine, the voltage will be drop from 13.7v and slowly drop to the normal battery voltage 12.7/12.5volt. (this condition happen if your volt meter connect directly to the battery terminal, and not connected to the "ACC" point, if volt meter connected to the "ACC" point, you must make sure the ignition key position to "ON")

As I mention above, healthy battery voltage while engine off is around 12.3-12.7volt. To check the battery still in good condition, leave your car for one or two days and check the voltage again without starting the engine. It should be still in range of 12.3-12.7volt. (take note that some of the alarm system that use blinking LED and the alarm always triggered will affect the reading of the volt meter in 0.2-0.3volt if you leave your car for 2-4days without starting the engine)

But, if the reading of the voltmeter drop below 12volt after one or two days, mean that the battery need to be replaced with new one because of the battery voltage leaking. Get ready with your budget next month!! (make sure there was no electronic accessories such as in car entertainment system, room lamp, and all the bulb outside still ON while engine OFF"

Analog Volt Meter

See, how this gadget can save your money and time. Without volt meter, you cannot early detect the sign of battery the alternator malfunction. When you can detect as early as you can the problem of your car, you can ready with the budget and find some space for you to send your car to workshop.

The volt meter reading is very accurate if connected directly to the positive and negative terminal. So find the volt meter that can connect directly to battery terminal and you can read it while you are driving. My suggestion is that you buy volt meter that can be displayed somewhere on your dashboard, connect directly to the negative and batery terminal BUT USE RELAY to make it (voltmeter) OFF also when you take off your car key from ignition. Otherwise, if you are not using relay and connect directly to the battery negative and positive terminal, the chances of the voltmeter draining the battery is there because the voltmeter will ON 24hours and will shorten its live.

Different with voltage stabilizer that build in with meter, this type of prouduct was design to operate 24hours without draining you car battery eventhough connect directly to batery terminal. But most of the aftermarket voltage stabilizer will be installed somewhere in the engine bay, and you cannot read it while driving. Voltage stabilizer also can impove the voltage stablility of you car and increase the battery life. Make sure to buy the original one.

Tuesday, 15 November 2011

For the first time, DUCATI decide to lauch it's new superbike outside Europe and choose Malaysia for the international launching the Monster 795 on the 21st October 2011 in Kuala Lumpur last Friday, in conjunction with the World Motorbike Grand Prix (GP) in Kuala Lumpur.

Spokesperson says Next Bikes, a company under the Naza group of companies, had received 90 orders for the Monster 795 eventhough the launching was not come to time. One of the VIP's at the launch is the nine time world champion of the World Motor GP, Valentino Rossi.

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONSlegendary Desmodue, air cooled, Dual Spark L-Twin engine whose 87 hp gives it that unmistakable Ducati sound. Developed for an incredibly flexible power delivery, the Desmodromic engine provides enough torque to exit the most challenging of corners. The impressive torque, typical of the Ducati L-Twin engines, will excite with every twist of the throttle.

CHASISMarzocchi forks; Outstanding grip and unbeatable riding comfort are ensured by a 43 mm Marzocchi upside down stanchion fork, which provides 120 mm of suspension travel. Sachs rear suspension; At the rear, a Sachs monoshock unit with progressive linkage provide a wide spectrum of both spring and damping settings.

Lightweight construction; Every carefully selected component of the Monster 795 has a net benefit to the overall light weight of the machine. The dry weight of 161kgs (355lb) has dramatic effects on not just manoeuvrability and ease of use, but also by contributing directly to increased performance, braking and acceleration.

Brembo brakes; The latest in Brembo braking hardware delivers exceptional braking power front and rear to improve rider safety. At the front, 320mm floating discs are gripped by four-piston, radially mounted callipers, while a 245mm floating rear disc works in combination with a twin-piston calliper. This powerful braking set-up offers unrivalled feel and feedback making the 795 safer across a broader spectrum of riding abilities.

Aluminium swingarm; The GP-style swingarm is chill-cast using aluminium in its most noble form. Gravity cast and heat treated, the component achieves the best mechanical characteristics as well as reduced final weight for improved handling.

Monster Trellis; An immensely strong but light tubular steel Trellis frame with aluminium rear sub-frame is the visual and structural backbone of the Monster. Delivering unparalleled rigidity with minimal mass, the chassis design is pure Ducati in its ingenuity and simplicity. A separate, all aluminium sub-frame saves weight and adds a pleasing continuity with the aluminium footrest hangers and matte finished swingarm.

Saturday, 12 November 2011

Did you know what is the meaning of the "Code" printed on the side wall of the tire. Sometimeswe do notknowwhat kind oftiressuitable forouruse.Usuallywe justtellthe size of thetiretotireshopkeepers,and somejust say "changetire" verbally andlettheshopkeepersmake decisions what tire to use. Inappropriateuse oftireswith theweight of the vehicleand the speedcan lead totirefailureto function properlyand maycause accidents. So, here i would like to share with you what is the meaning of the "Tire Code". Just take a few minute to read this article and it would save your money and the most important is your safety.

Monday, 31 October 2011

During the KL International Motor Show (KLIMS) last year (2010), Proton unveiled the three concept car, together with two show cars. All the concept and show car was given a name as Tuah, Lekir, Lekiu, Kasturi and Jebat, taken from the name of the Mallaccan Warrior long time ago.

Among the five, Tuah is Proton new four door sedan concept that strongly hint to be the Proton Persona Replacement model. This model (Tuah) look like more bigger than Toyota Vios and the size maybe similar to Mitsubihsi lancer 2.0GT. Click here for Proton Persona

From the outside, we can see the LED day light located at the lower side of the headlamp, to be the first Proton model to use it. For the rear taillamp, both left and side combined together with modern long double line red light on it, twin exhaust tip, 18inch sport rim with 225/40R18 tyre, and an aerodynamic roofing slop.

For the powertrain, no information on it so far but some trusted source says that the engine will highly be the new Campro series. Maybe coming soon the 1.8L or 2.0L Campro we just wait patiently and hopefully this car will be on the road by next year (2012).

At a glance, this carlooks likeToyotacaldina..but believe me that this Proton MSX 3.0Litre V6isownedby Proton base on Lotus APX. Olmost every year proton build a new model. This is a good move for Proton to maintain its reputation as a No. 1 National car maker. Back to topic, I'm not very sure where and when this car was showed, looks like a lot of Malaysian take a look.

Naturally Aspirated 3.0 V6 engine, this engine manage to generate 224KW of power and 360Nm of torque.With a 0-100 time of 5.9, the best among the Porsche Cayenne S, BMW X6 3.5i, and Nissan Murano. The 250km/h top speed also beaten up three of the top SUV above.

I think this car should be on the road. And by this car, Proton can be more respected among the top world car maker. But maybe the production cost may cause proton to delay the production for open market. Also we don't know how much is the price of this car when it be at the Proton Showroom later, it may be start from RM140,000 - RM250,000. Of couse the market will be at the successful professionals with young-at-heart lifestyle such as businessman and corporate leaders.But we as Malaysians should be proud of our car maker Proton that can produce this type of car eventhough it still in prototype or concept car. Hopefully this car will be on the road one day.

Sunday, 30 October 2011

Since the launch ofnewPerodua family Myvi SE 1.5L and Myvi Extreme 1.5L last few months,itcontinued to havea verystimulatingbookamong the Malaysians.Myvi Extreme 1.5 was launchedtogether withMyviSpecial Edition(SE), whichalso sharing the same 1500litre engine, the largest everpublished inthe Myvifamily.Of course,the tagline"Lagi Best,Lagi Power"refers to this1.5litreenginethat will promised youmore energeticdrive, especiallywhenovertakingand climbing up the hill.

MyviExtreme 1.5 has a same characteristics toMyviSE, but Myvi Extreme hasmoreexaggerated, especiallyonthebodykitpartssuch asfront and rearbumperandspoilerwhich revealsMyviExtremelooksmore sporty. Very easy to differentiate between SE and Extreme. Extreme got the grey lower lip in front bumper but this sexy lips was not installed at the Myvi SE.

As notedabove, bothMyviExtremeandSEis poweredby1.5litretwin-camengineDVVTgiven code3SZ-VE, thatisthe same enginethat was usedinthe MPV PeroduaAlza.Thechaindrivenengineputsout102 horsepower at6,000 rpmand136Nmof torquefrom4.400rpm,and thispowerchanneledto front wheel through the5-speed manual or 4-speedautomaticgearbox. With this horsepower, this Myvi can run from 0-100km/h in just 9.98sec Manual transmission and 12.49sec Automatic transmission.

Let's move to the exterior, of couse the first attractive part is its very sporty front and rear bumper, spoiler, chrome garnish on the door handles, very diffrent from the previous 1.3litre. But this new Myvi still maintain with 14 inch alloy rims but in new design. The headlamp also upgraded to projector headlamp, LED combination rear taillamp, new design and relocation of fog lamp, rectractable side mirror with side turn signal, UV protected glass and tinted film on all glases.

Inside, we can see the one-tone that is all black on the desboard and interior. the steering with audio controll and leather wrapped, chrome inside door handle and leather sporty front seat. The meter also very impressive with an attractive colours combination of white, blue and red and also there are chrome rings thrown in.

Let's move to the In-Car-Audio System (ICE). This Myvi comes with the flush type audio system, the full colour DVD touch screen system build-in with navigation system, Bluetooth and USB port. The body come with carbon fiber look while the lighting also changed to red.

The safety features equipped with this small monster is Dual SRS Airbag for driver and passanger. The most important part to ensure safe driving is the ABS, EBD and BA. this Features will ensure your car will not skidding when cornering especially on the wet road.

From the first impression Myvi 1.5 has got the first place compared to the 1.3 version because of its powerful engine and stylish design. Prices range from RM50,900 (USD$14,138) for the SE manual to RM.61,700 (USD$17,138) for the Extreme automatic transmission.